Level 1 Childcare Course in Paignton. Classes run at South Devon College, full-time over one year. You'll study in a practical skills room set up as an Early Years environment, explore child development through play, and visit local community provisions for children and families. The course also includes sessions at an onsite Forest School, where you'll look at how children develop independence and manage risk. You'll need a GCSE grade 2 (E) or above in English and Maths, and a DBS check.
Who this course is for
This 1 year program is a practical course that introduces working with children under 5. Learn about importance of play in our practical skills room which is laid out as an Early Years setting. Explore how important it is to promote independence and manage risk taking in our onsite Forest School. Host stay and plays for visiting groups of children, go out and about in the local community to discover what provisions and support are available for children and parents. This course is assessed through building a portfolio of evidence of knowledge and skills. You able to retake Maths and English alongside your studies.
Entry requirements
You should have a genuine interest in this subject, You will need to complete a DBS Check, You must have a GCSE Grade 2(E) in English and Mths
What you will learn
You'll explore child development and the importance of play in early years settings.
You'll practise hands-on skills in a room set up as an Early Years environment.
You'll learn how to promote independence and manage risk-taking with young children.
You'll discover how to support children in outdoor learning through Forest School activities.
You'll find out what community provisions and services are available for children and parents.
You'll gain experience hosting stay-and-play sessions with real visiting groups of children.
How you will learn
This is a classroom-based, full-time course with practical sessions in an Early Years skills room and an onsite Forest School. Assessment is practical and ongoing throughout the year, based on what the provider describes as hands-on activities, community visits, and hosted sessions with children. You'll be assessed through your participation in these activities rather than formal written exams alone.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. South Devon College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to complete a DBS check before the course begins.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Youth Support Worker: support young people in community or educational settings.
Nursery Assistant: help care for children under five in a nursery.
Playworker: plan and supervise play activities for children.
Childminder's Assistant: support a registered childminder in a home setting.
Early Years Volunteer: gain experience in a school or children's centre.
Family Support Worker: assist families accessing children's services.
What you could study next
Level 2 Award, Certificate or Diploma in Childcare and Education: the natural next step, covering child development in more depth and opening more roles in nurseries and schools.
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the level most employers require for a room leader or key person role.
Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools: if you're interested in working in a primary school setting rather than early years.
